Obituary: Donald William May

Donald William May passed on to be with his Lord early Wednesday morning, Nov. 14, 2012.

Donald William May passed on to be with his Lord early Wednesday morning, Nov. 14, 2012.

After an heroic six year battle with a myriad of diseases culminating in liver cancer, he slipped away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family.

An alumni of University of Michigan, Don also held a doctorate in theology from Princeton University. He was a minister through W. Michigan Presbytery; a certified pilot (being in the Civil Air Patrol) and a fairly successful drag car racer in the area circuits in his early adulthood. He was in management/sales for several area car dealerships.

Don owned businesses throughout his lifetime, beginning with a pizza shop at age 16 and ending with May's Corner Party Store (Ionia) from 1995 to 2007, which he owned and operated with his wife and children. He loved fishing, golfing, driving, flying and his 20-plus years of poker with his "Great 8" poker buddies.

Born in Garden City, Mich., on Sept. 9, 1946, he is preceded in death by his parents Donald Francis May and Marcella Jean (Stuvenberg) May, parents-in-law Herbert and Charlotte Haag; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Cherished in his heart, Don is with them all now, fishing pole in hand.

Donald is survived by his wife of 25 years, Cynthia (Haag) May; his daughters Lesa May (Lee) and Jessica May; his son Michael May; grandchildren Alex Lee and Louella Eliason; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and one sister. He has taught us all to be strong, brave, face our challenges and treat each day as a celebration of life.

Don's final wishes have been carried out to the last detail. Therefore, no funeral service will be held. His earthly shell had been donated to MedCure, Inc. Research Facility with the hope that learning more about his illnesses may prevent someone else's pain and suffering. When he has "taught" them all he can, his cremated remains will be returned to his family, at which time a private memorial service will be held in his honor.

Donald's wife and family wish to express their deep gratitude for prayers and comfort from our many dear friends and to the countless nurses and doctors at Sparrow-Ionia ER, Spectrum-Butterworth, Spectrum-Blodgett, Life EMS and Spectrum Health Aero-Med, all of whom have been such an integral part of our lives these last few years. Our most heartfelt thanks goes to Spectrum Hospice, who brought honor, dignity, strength comfort and compassion to us in his last month on this earth. There are no words to express how truly grateful we are to Don's Hospice Team.